Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett has said he wants manager Arne Slot to be cageside for his UFC fights after continuing his quest for a title bout with an underdog victory over Bobby Green.
Pimblett beat the more experienced Green via first-round submission at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, collecting a $200,000 (£155,000) Performance of the Night bonus after becoming the first opponent since 2009 to defeat the American by that method.
“I need to find out if Arne Slot’s into his MMA, don’t I?” asked Pimblett, adding that he “can’t wait” for the 45-year-old to take charge of his first Premier League match. “He’s Dutch and they love the combat sports.”
STATEMENT MADE 👇
Paddy Pimblett put King Green to SLEEP with a choke! 😴 #UFC304 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ PIC.TWITTER.COM/U8H3IKAXHQ
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) JULY 28, 2024
Pimblett vs Bobby Green
The 29-year-old seemed to joke about an altercation involving Reds striker Darwin Nunez during the 2024 Copa America, when Uruguay players appeared to scuffle with Colombia fans celebrating their semi-final win over Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
“I need to get down the training ground and get with the lads, especially after seeing Darwin Nunez throwing a few one-twos the other week,” said Pimblett.
“I need to get him down the gym and see if we can get him on some pads. Tell [UFC president] Dana [White] to get on him.”
Paddy Pimblett admits being “surprised” that King Green shot for a takedown at #UFC304
“Everyone underestimates me, lad, just because I look like a 14-year-old girl” 😅 PIC.TWITTER.COM/HUTHF2QTQJ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) JULY 28, 2024
UFC 304: Pimblett eyes Anfield
Former Liverpool players Djibril Cisse and Sander Westerveld – a Netherlands international as a goalkeeper – were among Pimblett’s Instagram following of almost three million to congratulate him for his win over 15th-ranked lightweight Green.
Pimblett suggested this week that he could fight at Liverpool’s home. “I’ve spoken to people at Anfield about it,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“I’ve spoken to the CEO of Liverpool and they are all willing and happy to get it on. They want to do it.”
Nothing but respect between Green and Pimblett after their fight 🤝 #UFC304 PIC.TWITTER.COM/2X6B59ZUVY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) JULY 28, 2024
Anfield capacity suits Pimblett
“They’ve said it to me plenty of times,” added Pimblett. “I sit in the Legends Lounge when I go to the games and I’ve been to the boardroom where the CEO sits.
“They want to do it. I’d love the UFC to get in contact with them and get it done. It doesn’t need to be a title fight, I’d sell it out without a title.
“What’s [the capacity of] Anfield now? 60,000. And with seats on the floor, 70,000, 80,000? I’d sell that out, I promise you now.”
